Children enjoy the great outdoors at The Salvation Army's Camp Tecumseh

The Salvation ArmyChildren can enjoy many activities at The Salvation Army's Camp Tecumseh in Hunterdon County.

Many people have fond memories of time spent at summer camp. Whether it was the food, swimming, playing outside or simply spending time with friends, camp is an experience one never forgets.

"Summer camp holds some of the best memories of my life," said Tammy Briggs, public relations director of The Salvation Army Mercer County. "I use to go to camp every summer in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York and built long-lasting friendships which I still treasure today."

In her teen years Briggs spent several summers working at camp. She said that it was an integral part of her life and a place to grow and mature. The camp experience gave her independence, provided a safe haven and taught her skills she will never forget.

The Salvation Army's Camp Tecumseh offers that experience for underprivileged children from the Mercer County area. The camp, located on almost 400 acres of rolling hills in rural Hunterdon County, provides the children with memories they will carry with them into adulthood.

At Camp Tecumseh children learn new skills and self-reliance, and they are supervised by trained counselors who know and understand the campers' emotional needs and problems.

Camping, canoeing, miniature golf, swimming, fishing, hiking and crafts are just a few of the activities the children participate in during their week-long stay. Skill classes are also offered including swimming lessons, boating, drama and music instruction.

The Salvation Army Mercer County offers this week of supervised off-site camping to 40 community children between the ages of six and thirteen each summer.

The summer camp program provides a great opportunity for these kids to get away from their home environment and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. Most children who go to Camp Tecumseh have never had the opportunity to attend camp, something that others might take for granted.

The Salvation Army staff transports the children to and from the facility and takes several trips there throughout the summer.

The Salvation Army also offers a ten-day supervised off-site camping experience at Star Lake Music Camp in Butler. This experience is for young people interested in improving their musical and leadership abilities.

Donations to this year's Holiday Appeal will help The Salvation Army Mercer County fund and enhance its summer camp program for children as well as continue its mission to help the increasing number of people in our community who seek its support and assistance in these very challenging times.

This year's Holiday Appeal is dedicated to the memory of Frank Tyger, The Times longtime former promotion manager, columnist and nationally known cartoonist. Tyger was well known for his passion for helping local nonprofits, especially through his work on the annual Times Holiday Appeal.

To make a donation in support of The Salvation Army Mercer County, make your check payable to The Times Holiday Appeal and mail it to Times Charities Inc., P.O. Box 416045, Boston, MA02241-6045.

All gifts will be acknowledged in The Times. Anonymity will be granted if requested. For more information about The Salvation Army Mercer County or to volunteer, call (609) 599-9373 or go to www.mercercounty.salvationarmynj.org.